The hair that grows on a man's chin and cheek. Among the Jews and other Orientals the beard was cherished as a symbol of virility. It has been customary from early days for the clergy of the Latin Church to cut off or shave their beards. In the 16th and 17th centuries the contrary practise prevailed, and beards are now worn by the priests of the Eastern churches, both Uniat and Schismatic, by foreign missionaries, by certain religious like the Capuchins, and by individual priests for reasons of health.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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